It's fine to buy second-hand books, yes?

[winnybella]

For DS(9). He'll get a nice main gift (Star Wars Lego). I can't afford to buy lots of new books, so thought it's better to get 6 second-hand than 3 new ones.

I mean even when you can tell they are second-hand i.e. a bit thumbed etc.

For your own dc I think it is. I have anyway. Some of them are out of print anyway so wouldn't be able to buy new.

For your own kids - hell, yes.

I only ever buy new books for mine if it's something that's just been published that they specifically want.

We had a local bookfair last month, and I staggered out with a boxful for about £8. Quite a few will be going in the DC's stockings.

Thought so. Off to the bookshop, then. Thanks

definately
i got my dd all the little miss and mr men books from our local charity shop for £10.i put them all together with a big bow round.she loved them [still does].i've got her a few other books for her stocking this year too

yes of course, DS has had charity shop gifts (not exclusively but if theres something nice in the charity shop then why not?) , its when you give them to others that you have to gauge their attitudes but its fine for own kids

Ok, glad you all think that as well
I got him today two first Narnia books and two first Lemony Snicket ones. I think he'll like those. Although it said 11+ on the LS ones

i once saw a christmas book stack present idea, in a magazine, 4 second hand books, tied with red ribbon, with christmas stamps stamped across the leaves of books, looked very tasteful and thoughtful, keep meaning to steal the idea.

I have been buying second hand books throught the year for dds christmas. I have 2 large argos carrier bags full. I would look at second hand shops rather than book shops. as many books in second hand shops are 50p to 75p rather half price as you would expect to see in book shops.

I bought 2 last week a flower fairies for youngest and greek mythology for eldest both large hard back books.

Cleaned the covers with a damp cloth, they look fine.

We get books from the library, how many people have read those books?

Try your library too. Ours sells old books for as little as 20p. I bought charlotte's web and anne of green gables for 60p!

my DD read (and loved) the lemony snicket books when she was 8-9 so i think they'll be fine. she didn't read the narnia ones till a bit older - more like 10.

I always buy 'used' books from Amazon and they have never looked used!

Deffo ok for your own, and toys in general. Other people, maybe not. I did buy Erin some books off ebay and it said acceptable condition but when it came the cover was all ripped! So shes already had that book.

Everyone got second hand or 'bought from the cheap shop' books last year.

We have a fab Oxfam book shop near us and I chose books that looked as though they had never been read.

Unfortunately we were on a tight budget with Dh out of work last year. No-one knew any different!